FALCON BEACH HAS WINGS
A HIT AROUND THE WORLD, THE CANADIAN TEEN SOAP RETURNS FOR SOPHOMORE SEASON
JIM BAWDEN - Toronto Star
The same, only different.
That's the theme of Falcon Beach as it heads into its second full season Friday at 8 p.m. on Global.
Filmed on the glorious shores of Lake Winnipeg, the teen sudser has become an enormous hit abroad. It's been picked up by the Disney organization in the U.S. and distributed by Freemantle to more than 30 other countries, from Israel to Vietnam. Biggest news is the recent sale to prestigious BBC1.
"I think it's a better show this time out only because cast and crew have gotten to know each other," says co-executive producer Kim Todd, who's also the show runner.
"It's smoother, better written, paced. In a new series you learn as you go and this very young cast continues to surprise me with their talent."
In a medium packed with teen angst outings, Falcon Beach impressed U.S. critics thanks to sensitive stories and even the appearances of parents in fully dimensional roles.
"Well, it's at the beach," Todd chuckles.
"That means a lot of attractive people in swimwear. It means love stories for the incredibly gorgeous cast. But we also show the parents' side. On other series they're in the background."
Although filmed in Winnipeg studios and at the resort town of Winnipeg Beach, the U.S. edition was set in a New England coastal town. Most American reviewers couldn't spot the differences.
Todd says reshooting a few key shots and changing flags was about all that occurred.
"In Canada it's all-Canadian. And in the international edition, too. It's really our love affair with the area which is incredibly picturesque in the summer. We shoot weekdays and take care not to rile the local residents."
The second season starts with Jason (Steve Byers) losing the National Championships in wakeboarding and falling into a huge depression.
The family marina inherited by Jason after his father's death is now threatened by a gigantic waterfront development headed by Paige's (Jennifer Kydd) father. Trevor (Ted Whithall).
Paige has returned for the summer and wonders why long-time boyfriend Jason has broken off all contact. Her parents have separated - her mother, Allison (Ginny Bradshaw) ran off with the local bookseller but wants back the family cottage owned by her relatives for 50 years.
Wait, there's more! This is a soap, remember! Ex-model Tanya (Devon Weigel) must face possible jail time for drug possession. Danny (Ephraim Ellis) and Erin (Melissa Elias) are about to become parents.
And new to the story is Stephen Lobo (Godiva's) as a slick, charming lawyer plus Courtney True (Jeananne Goosen), who skydives right into the thick of it.
Todd says the full thrust of the Disney promotion blitz "overwhelmed us. At Cannes they flew a plane with a banner up and down the beach and there was a Falcon Beach bar for the press.
"Sure we're thinking about a third season but we don't want to get cocky about this success."
Friday at 8 p.m. on Global.
